Need ideas for half day in Orlando
Help me fill up an extra day between a cruise and IoA!
From Robyn A.
Posted March 27, 2012 at 6:53 PM
My children and I will be in Florida for 2 days after returning from a cruise this May. I decided to surprise them with a day at IoA, but I'm trying to decide what to do with the other half day we'll have in Orlando. We'll be traveling with my best friend and 2 godsons, which brings us to a total of 7 in our group - the kids range in age from 9 - 18. I'd love some ideas on making the most of our time.
I've considered one of the Disney water parks - we visited both a few years ago and loved them - but I wasn't sure if they would already be too crowded by the time we could get there. We happen to return from the cruise on the Sunday of Memorial day weekend, and I expect after getting everyone off the boat, we'd likely get to Orlando around noon (cruising out of Ft Lauderdale). I don't want to be out too late in the evening, because we'll be getting up super early to get to IoA before opening. Again, the water parks sorta fit that timeline because they close at 5 or 6, but I also wonder if it would be a waste of cash if we'll only have 5 hours to play.
Thanks for any ideas you can share!
Since this is Memorial Day Weekend, I would of recommended Star Wars Weekends if you have an SW fans, but it takes more than half a day. In fact, since you have half a day, it's the perfect time to go to Downtown Disney or Animal Kingdom. Quick question though; What do you plan on doing at IOA?
From Justin M
Posted March 28, 2012 at 5:28 AM
I would say take them to Disney Quest and downtown disney. Animal Kingdom can easily be a full day park if you have never been there and you actually care to see all the attractions and animals.
From Robyn A.
Posted March 28, 2012 at 3:33 PM
Hmmm, we've done all the Disney parks a few times now, DisneyQuest once and the Disney water parks once. Definitely favor the water parks over DisneyQuest, although DTD is definitely a possibility.
Our family LOVES DAK, and I hadn't even thought of it as a possibility since there is no possible way we'd be there by park opening. Do you think it's doable? I'm worried that day is going to be insanely busy all over Orlando.
Dom, to answer your question, we really loved IoA when we were there in March of last year, but it was Spring break week and very busy, also a bit chilly, so we missed several things we wanted to do. My 11yo son has begged for an entire year to go back, he's a huge HP fan, and loved everything about IoA. My daughter and my other son also loved many things in that park, and my 16yo godson is another big HP fan who has never been and desperately wants to see it. (Sorry, that was kind of a long explanation!)
Keep the ideas coming, folks! I'm ruling out Legoland - we did the one in CA 3 years ago. Loved it, but I'm afraid everyone except my 9yo would get a little bored with it after a couple hours. Also, my friend is on a bit of a tight budget, so we need to keep the cost manageable (I bought the IoA tickets as a graduation present to my 18yo godson). That probably rules out the big 4 Disney parks, but I think the water parks fit into their budget a bit better.
Thanks again!
From Robyn A.
Posted March 28, 2012 at 3:36 PM
Oh, and SWW may be motivation enough to throw a little more money in Disney's coffers - but would getting there so late in the day ruin the experience? On all our trips to Disney, we've always made a point to be there before rope drop. The only time we've meandered in late in the day was when we were staying on property and park hopping to a less-busy park.
My son would absolutely be in heaven - his 2 greatest loves - SW and HP all in one trip!
Crazy Golf is always a good way to pass some time, Universal have just opened the Hollywood Drive in Golf, there is also several courses on International drive including Pirates Cove, Congo River & Gator Golf, International drive also has Wonderworks & Ripleys believe it or not but those aren't always to everyones taste, you also have the IFly indoor skydiving & plenty of tacky souvenir shops (as well as 2 premium outlet malls & Festival bay mall) every kind of restaurant imaginable, you could quite easily spend a large amount of a day just on IDrive!
From Justin M
Posted April 2, 2012 at 8:37 AM
You could try Wet N Wild if you have already tried all the disney waterparks. They have some really good slides and it could be done in a half day easily.
I would recommend Aquatica (Seaworld's Water Park) it is great water park and much more relaxed
Why not try Gatorland? It is an "Old Florida" Attraction and a decent afternoon without the crazy crowds you will be dealing with the next day. Also, you will probably get enough water and swimming activities on your cruise and a water park may just be too much.
Downtown Disney with a visit to La Nouba might work!
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